Just Call Me Jules, Bs.D.

 
 

OK, The belly-button contemplation is over.

For now.

I had something of an epiphany today.

A gal I know was complaining about something so trivial, so small, and so insignificant (I think that about covers it) and I wasn't in the mood to indulge this behavior, so I remained, for the most part, silent.

In a small rant to another friend, I said something along the lines of: "I have so many friends going through so much right now, and the anniversary of my last miscarriage is tomorrow, that listening to this person bitch is GRATING on me."

I had a favorite teacher in high school (and he was a favorite before he said this), who one day said "Peterson, you're a Bullshit Detector".

I took it as a huge compliment, since I figure people who can know bullshit when they hear/see/smell it are probably quite outstanding, if not just plain smart. I'm not sure if I qualify on both fronts, but nonetheless, I'm proud of this distinction.

Hypocritical as it may be sometimes (I know I complain about what life has dealt me when there are plenty of people out there that have lost much more), I also feel I have a certain amount of perspective. I am at least aware of the fact that my problems in life, for the most part, are relatively minor. No one I love has been killed by a serial killer, tsunami, or suicide bomber. So, on the whole, I don't think I really have a lot to bitch about.

In fact, I have small miracles that occur every day. My husband often walks to the bus stop to meet me with our dog, Lucy to walk me home. He cooked me dinner. I almost cried when I heard Shania Twains "From This Moment On" on my new iPod as I waited for the bus.

I know I am lucky. I have a job, a house, a fabulous spouse, and many other reasons to live life to the fullest.

I guess that's why I get a little pissed when I hear other people gripe, not just occasionally, mind you, but blindly criticizing every wrong that's been done to them, without thinking of other explanations other than it being a personal affront to them.

Sometimes I say something, sometimes I don't.

But my friend today joked about my "Bullshit Detector" comment and said "Your name is "Jules M., BSD" and I had to laugh.

So I'll go ahead and claim it. With no advanced degree to my name, I sound like I have one now.

Jules, Bs.D.